Mining machine



July 10, 1928.

C. E,- DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1925 11 'Sheets-Sheet 1 Q dli'vi'ney mmgs flerer July 10, .1928;

C. E. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1925 11 Sheets-Sheet July 10, 1928. 1,676,428

c. E. DAVIS MINING umcnmn Filed May 29, 1925 11 Sheets-Sheet 3 July 10, 1928.

C. E. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1925 ll Sheets-Sheet 4 1,676,428 C. E. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1925 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 July v10, 1928.

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vu affinity/ July 10,1928. 1,676,428

C. E. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1925 l1 Sheets-Sheet 8 July 10, 1928. v

C. E. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1925 l1 Sheets-Sheet 9 k v A v (%(2 770,5 90045 July 10, 1928.

C.. E. DAVIS MINING MACHINE Filed May 29, 1925 ll Sheets-Sheet l0 W17 07 (fie/7w 1124043 July 10, 1928. 1,676,428

c. E. DAVIS MINING MACHINE v Filed May29, 1925 11 Sheets-Sheet l1 38 C/zaz lgsfl 2001,? 112332 3111 J 1in V Patented July 10, I928.

UNITED STATES PATEN orrlca.

CHARLES ninaws, or cmcaoo, ILLINOIS, sssxenon 'ro eoonuauumorac'roame COMPANY, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A conrona'rxon'or' ILLINOIS.

MINING MACHINE.

Application filed Kay 29, 1925. Serial Ne 33,024.

This invention relates to improvements in mining machines and more particularly to the machines used extensively in coal mining operations for making the initial or sumping cut in the face of the mine wall or along the edge of the vein being mined,

whereby the portion preparatory to blasting k d d th ro en own an e of the vein so cut is coal removed.

The machine embodying the present invention' represents a type ordinarily termed a cuttin and shearing machine, and is characterized by the mounting of the cutter element on a turn table, which in turn is mounted on a wheeled carriage or truck, whereby the machine is transported on. tracks laid on the floor of the mine. Moreover, in this type of machine the cutting-element-is capable of being swung .in an are as the cutting progresses, in addltion to'heing adjustable to cut horizontally or vertically, or to cut at different levels,

The object of the present invention is;

therefore to provide a machine that is excecdin'gly'flexible, in the sense that it is capa-ble of use under the difierent mining conditions which may be encountered, it being borne in mind that the method of attacking a coal vein depends largely on the. formation of the vein at the particular point where the cutting is to take place. The advantage therefore of a machinenvhich will meet the various conditions under which mining operations must be carried on, is manifest. A number of diagrammatic figures have been included in the disclosure of the drawings, to illustrate the various positions in which the machine may be operated. (Figures 11 to 20.)

Referring now to the accompanying drawings:

Figure l is av general view in side elevation of a machine embodying the invention!- Figure 2 is an enlarged top plan view 0 the body of the machine without the cutting element, and with parts broken away an shown in the section. to more clearly bring out the structure 0" the operating mechanism;

Figure 3 is an enlarged detailed View of the forward end of the truck and the cutshowing the platform elevating mechanism;

element as taken on line 10, 10, of Figure 5';

ting head, both being shown in vertical sect1'on;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the carriage showmg the driving mechanism for the turn table and the truck wheels;

Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view of the cutting head with parts shown in section, the portions in dotted lines corresponding to the forward end portion of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a view in rear elevation of the machine with parts shown in section; Figure 7 is a detailed view in vertical section taken on line 7,7, of Figure 2,'and showing the gear drive for the-turn table rotating and-platform elevating mechanism 7 and the trucks; t Figure 8 is a detailed view in vertical section taken on line 8, 8, of Figure 2 and Figure 9 is a view in vertical section taken on line 9, 9, of Figure 4;

Figure 10'is an' enlarged detailed view in vertical section of the head of the cutting Figures 11 and 12 'are'diagrammatic views in side elevation, showing the positions of the cutting element for cutting at different heights above the mine floor;

Figures 13 and 14 are similar views, showing the cutting head reversed so that the cutter chain is uppermost for making cuts at different levels from the mine ceiling;

Figures 15 and 16 are similar views showing the cutting head adjusted for making a vertical cut I Figures 17 and- 18 are top plan views of the machine at the commencement of a lateral cut and immediately after the initial out has been completed; and

Figures 19 and 20 are top plan views of the machine showing other methods of operating the machine for making lateral cuts.

Referring first to the main parts of the machine embodying the invention, the same compr1ses-a wheeled platform or carriage A, adapted to be moved on tracks, T and carr 7 ing a cutting element projecting from t e forward end ofthe carria e, said cuttin element consisting of a cuttmg head ,B an a cutter bar. C, extending radially from the base of the cutting head and carrying an Figures 1, 3 an platform.

endless cutter chain D. The main parts of .the machine. just indicated, have been similarly designated in Figures'll to -20 inclusive, wherein the complete machine, is shown in its essential aspects.

Figures 1 to inclusive reveal the machine in the various details ofconstruction. The carriage A comprises a platform 1 supported upon four wheels 2, 2, mounted 'on front and rear axles 3, 3, journalled in axle bearin 4.

Mounted on the latform 1 is a tum-table d 9, consisting of a heavy solid plate ofsubstantially the same contour as the platform, both being cut away at their forward ends in the form of slots 1" and 5', extendin inwardly from their forward ed es igure 3). The turn-table is journa led to swing about the center of the plat and meeting at its center in a bearing '8, for

the upper end of a stub shaft 9, extending axiall of the bearing late 6. Bolts 7 7,

ss t rough the arms 7, and are inclosed 1n the flange 6* of the bearing plate 6. The

a stub shaft 9 carries at its lower end a bevel gear wheel 10, meshing with two other beveled gearwheels, 11, 11, each mounted on one end of fore and aft propeller shafts 12, 12,

journalled in sleeve, bearings 13, 13, hung from the under side of the platform 1. At the opposite ends of the propeller shaft are miter guards 14, which mesh with similar gears 15, mounted on the front and rear wheel axles 33, and thus com leting the drive mechanism from stub shat 9, which in turn is driven through a spur gear 16 (keyed just below the bearing 8), .by other mechanism hereafter described.

Mounted on the turn-table is another platform or plate 17 connected with the turntable ,by means of trunnions 18, 18, located at the rear corners 'of the turn-table, as clearly shown in Figure 4. As will presently be seen, the up r platform or bed Plate 1 is ada ted to tilted upwardly rom its norma osition resting atwise upon the turn-tab e, the axis of the tilting movement being its rear edge, which is substantially in alignment with theltrunnions 18, 18.- As

shown in Figures 4 and 9, there is formed at the center of the bedplate 17, an angular slot or opening19 surrounding the bearing,

8 and its supportin 'arms 7, 7, integral with the turn-ta le 5, t

form 17 to clear these members when it is raised and lowered. I

Mounted on the platform are the supports for the cutting element, as well as the various driving mechanisms, which will be described in order. Considering first the cutting element supports, there is formed integral with the plat form two forwardl extending arms or brackets, 20, 20, which together provide" a cradle extendin in a forwardly and downwardly incline direction, the two brackets being spaced apart with their outer edges con-verging'and unite at their ends in a main forward bearing 21 supporting the forward end of the cutting mechanism presently to be described in detail..

As clearly shown in Fi ures 1 and 3, the cutting head B is locate just beyond the forward bearing 21, and forms an integral part of the tubular or cylindric sup-port for the cutter bar, positioned at an angle of substantially to the horizontal with its forward end normally below the level of the turn table. The cutter bar support com prises generally asleeve 22, journalled at its forward end in the forward main bearing 21, the main drive shaft 23 and a rear main bearing 24, fixed to the platform 17, a distance re'arwardly of its forward edge. Carried on the sleeve 22 are other operating parts hereinafter to be described.

Adjacent the rear main bearing 24 and just rearwardly thereof, is a bevel gear wheel 25 keyed to the hub of a helical gear 26, said gears turning loosely as a unit on the rear end portion of the drive shaft, but may be thrown into and out of driving connection with the main shaft 23 by a single throw clutch 27, keyed to theend of the shaft and adapted to be thrown into and out of clutching engagement with the gear unit 25 and 26. It may be stated at this point that the drawings have been simplified by omitting complete details of the clutches, it being understood that they are'of the common form consisting of shiftable collars operated by lever controlled shifting yokes.

For thesame reason detailed descriptions of the clutch mechanism will beomitted in each instance, reference being simply made to the fact that the clutch is single or double throw, this term being-well understood in the art. 'The bevel gear 25 is the main driving member of the shaft 23 and is driven by a train of ars from an electric motor within the hous1ng28 mounted at the rear of the platform 17 and to one side thereof, (Figure 2). The armature shaft of the motor' ex tends forwardly through the motor housing 28 and carries a bevel pinion 29 meshing with a beveled gear 30 keyedto one end of the intermediate shaft 31 journalled in a bearing 32 supported on the platus permitting the plat form 17 and arranged obliquely to the main drive shaft 23. At the other end of the intermediate drive shaft 31 is a beveled pinion 33 which meshes with the beveled gear wheel on the main drive shaft 23. As will hereinafter be pointed out, the helical gear 26 delivers power to the various mechanisms for propelling the machine upon the track, for rotating the turn-table and for elevating the platform as well as for turning the cutter bar support in its bearings.

As clearly shown in Figure 3, the bearing sleeve 22 extends from the rear main bearing 24 through the front main bearing 21 and carries at its forward end a semi-spherical shaped casing 34 forming one section of the cutting head B, all of these parts, including the cutter bar, forming a unit which is capable of being rotated bodily in the main bearings 21 and 24, and about the axis of the main drive shaft 23, which projects into the casing section 34,.and carries a miter gear 35, which in turn delivers power to the cutter chain C through gearing in the cutter head.

As before explained, the forwarding main bearing 21 forms an integral part of the supporting cradle, consisting of the arms 20,v which gradually taper toward the hearing 21 and have upwardly extending ribs 20 along their outer edges, which serve to strengthen the support and take the. overhanging weight of "the cutter-bar. These ribs 20, or upstanding supporting walls, are integrally joined at their rear cndswith vertical standards 36, 36. cast integral with the platform 17 near their forward corners, the same also serving to give additional strength to the supporting arm, although, as will presently be pointed out. the standard of the near side of the machine. as shownin Figure 1, forms a bearing for the platform elevating mechanism.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the slot'between the supporting arms 20 registel's'with the slots 1 and 5 in the turn-table and platform below, thus leaving an open space below the extender] end of the cutter-bar support. extending from the under side of' the forward main bearing 21. rearwardly and parallel to the bearing sleeve 22. being pivotally connected at its rear end tothe forward end of the turntable 5. by means of an integral bearing sleeve 37 journalled on a pin 38, extending crosswise of the slot 5 just above the front axle 3. The forward end of the brace 37 is pivotally connected with the bearing 21 through the .medium of cars 21, 21, depending from the bearing 21. and a removable pin extending through said ears and a tongue 37", at the forward end of the brace 37 (Figure 3).

Journalled on the bearing sleeve 22 and extending substantially the full length thereof between the two main bearings 21 and 24 Within this opening is a brace 37,

is a sleeve 40 having square helical threads cut on lt-s outer surface. This sleeve.term1- nates at its rear end a short distance from the rear main bearing 24, and mounted in the space between is a double throw clutch 41, keyed to the bearing sleeve 22, and also having clutching engagement with the bearing 24. A worm wheel 42 is keyed to the threaded sleeve near its rear end, through which power is transmitted for the purpose of rotating the threaded sleeve on the bearing sleeve, as it would when the clutch 41 is disengaged as shown in Figure 3, or to turn the entire cutting head 13 about the axis of the drive shaft when the clutch 41 is thrown in so that the outer sleeve is locked to the inner bearing sleeve and the two released from the bearing 24.

A large threaded nut 43 is carried on the outer threaded sleeve 40, and is normally held against turning so that as the threaded sleeve is rotated in either direction the nut will travel forwardly or rearwardlyalong the sleeve. The nut is held against rota tion about the sleeve by means of the brace 37 which it will be observed, normally engages a slot 44 extending lengthwise of the outer surface of the nut. It will be further' observed that there are four of such slots 44 in the outer surface of the nut, so that any one of them may engage the bar or the brace 37, depending on the angular position of the nut relative to the bar. To disengage the brace 37 from the groove 44 in the nut, the pin 39 is removed, thus allowing the brace to drop. This permits the nut 43 to turn with the sleeve 40, as is necessary when the entire cutting mechanism is turned in the mainbearings21 and 24.

Referring now to the construction of the cutting head B, and cutter bar C, (Figures 3 and 10) the head has already been described as partially spherical inshape and comprising a section 34, integral with the bearing sleeve 22, said section forming at the junction with said bearing. a journal for the outer end of the drive shaft 23, carrying the bevel gear 35 within the head. The sec tion 34, however, forms only one section of the head-another section 45 completing the casing and is bolted to the section-34 by pairs of long bolts 46, on either side of the casing and passing through integral sleeves 47, ex-

tending substantially at right angles to a vertical parting line 48, between the two sections 34 and 45. The two sections form a housing having a large opening at its base. 'A wall section 49, semicircular in section closes the opening to the head and moves in sliding contact with the relatively fixed sections of the head in the articulation of the cutter bar. Located in channels 50--50, in the sections 34 and 45. and extending along the front and rear edges of the opening to the head are suitable sealing members in the Ill) form of bars 51, 51, bearing edgewise against the section 49, and held in contact by means ofsprings 52.

Referring now to the internal mechanism of the cutter head, a vertical bearing sleeve 53, extends upwardly into the head B, and provided near its upper end with laterally projecting trunnions 54-54, which are journalled in bearings 55, formed in the side of the head, whereby the entire-cutter bar is suspended from the head and capable of being swung about a vertical axis transverse to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 23.

As clearly shown in Figure 10, the lower movable section 49, is integ 'al with the bearing sleeve 53, and immediately below the same is an annular bearing flange or plate 56, having a downwardly facing bearing sur' face against which bears the rear end frame member 57 of the cutter bar C, the same having an integral spzndle 58,extend1ng ups wardly into the sleeve 53, and carrying at its upper end a bearing collar 59; turning on the end of said sleeve. Journalled in the spindle 58 is a vertical shaft 60, having a beveled pinion 61 keyed at its upper end above the bearing collar 59, and which .meshes with intermediate beveled gear wheel 62, journaled on the trunnions 54-54, and meshing with the beveled gear wheel 35. Thus the. intermediate gear wheel 62 transmits power from the bevel pinion 61 to the beveled gear wheel 35.

The vertical shaft 60, extends below the head 57, of the cutter bar and has keyed to its lower end a sprocket wheel 63, which drives the cutter chain 64 (Figure 11) which consists of an endless chain, carried by the cutter bar, and travelling in lateral grooves or tracks 65, along the edges of the cutter bar. The chain carries a series of cutting tools at intervals throughout its length, which perform the actaal cutting operation as the cutter bar is advanced laterally. The construction and operation of the cutting bar being old in the art, further details are believed to be unnecessary.

It may be stated at this point that the cutter bar, which includes the spindle 58, extending upwardly into the sleeve 53, within the cutting head B, is capable of being swung in an are about the axis of the shaft 60, and also to be tilted upwardly and downwardly about the horizontal axis of the trunnions 5454. The mechanism for swinging the cutter bar laterally will be first described.

As shown in Figure 5, the rear end frame member 57, of the cutter bar is extended on one side laterally at right angles to the bar itself, to form the equivalent of a lever arm 66, having a rearwardly facing clevis 67, formed integral therewith. Extending from this extension 66, rearwardly to the travelling nut 43 is a link 68, having swivel con- Moreover, the cutter bar may be either swung as it cuts, or may be fixed at a certain .cutting angle and the turn table swung, and

therefore means are provided for anchoring the cutter bar, when set at the desired angle, so as to remove the strain from the link 68 and travelling nut 43. This is accomplished by providing a lock ring 7 O surrounding the bearing flange 56, and secured thereto, said ring having a series of holes 71, spaced apart at different angles. A socket is located in concentric alignment with these holes, and by employing a coupling pin 73, which may be inserted through the hole registering with the socket in any desired position of the cutter bar, the cutter bar is locked against lateral swinging movement relative to the head.

For sh fting the cutter bar vertically, which amounts to changing its angle to the main drive shaft 23, the following adjusting means is used: Cast integral with the forward portion of the lower section 49 of the cutter head B, is a pair of laterally spaced vertical webs 7474. Inu'uediately above these webs is a corresponding pair of ears 75. on the upper section 45 of the head. 'lhese webs and ears support a screw shaft 76. journalled in a block 77, supported on trunnions 77 between the Years 75, and passing through a threaded nut 78, supported between the webs 7474, by two trunnions 7. The upper end of the screw shaft has a square head 76 whereby a wrench may be applied for turning the shaft in either direction, thus swinging the cutter bar upwardly or downwardly about the trunnions 5454.

Having thus described the cutting mechanisnrand the mechanism associated therewith. the various drives for operating the machine, will now be described. these including the drive to the truck axles, for propelling the machine in either direction along the tracks; for swinging the turn-table in either direction; for elevating and lowering the top platform; and for turning the out ter-bar supports in its main bearings. Y It will perhaps clarify the following description to point out that the power for these different driving mechanism is taken from a single gear wheel, namely 26, driven from the motor, first being directed through speed-changing and reversing mechanisms, thence split up, so to speak, into a number of separate transmissions leading directly to the mechanism or part to be operated. Clutches are introduced at points in this line of power transmission so, that the several drives may be operated simultaneously or independently, somewhat after the manner of a power dredge or shovel.

As already set forth the gear wheel 26 forms a part of and turns with the beveled gear which drives the cutting mechanism and has direct driving connection with the. motor. The gear wheel 26 has spiral gear teeth and meshes with a complementary spiral gear wheel 80, keyed to one end of a shaft 81, turning on a horizontal axis and journalled in bearings 82-82, supported upon the platform 17, through the medium of upright bearing standards 83. As shown in Figure 2, the shaft 81 extends longitudinally'of the machine and between the bearings 82 carries a friction cone clutch consisting of a shiftable clutch member 84 keyed to the shaft 81 and located between a pair of clutch members 85-85, turning loosely on the shaft and carrying gear wheels 86 and 87 of differentpitched diameters. Extending parallel with the shaft 81 is another shaft 88, journalled in bearings 89. Keyed to the shaft 88 are gear wheels 90 and 91, meshing with the gear wheels 87 and 86, respectively. By this arrangement two speeds are provided-one through the forward pair of gears 87 and 90, with a 'gear' ratio of about 1 to 1, and the other through the rear pair of gears-86 and 91, of about 2 to 1 ratio ;.;-the change from one speed to the other being governed by shifting the clutch member 84. a v

' Immediately below the shaft 88 is. another shaft 92 (Figure 7) parallel therewith. On the upper shaft 88 and rearwardly of the change speed gears 90 and 91, are two loose gear wheels 93 and 94 with a double throw clutch member 95 between them and keyed to the shaft. Meshing with the forward gear wheel 93, is an idler gear 96, which also meshes with a gear 97 on the'shaft 92,

these three gears being in the same vertical plane. Meshing with the other gear wheel 94 is a gear wheel 98 on the same shaft 92 below. Manifestly by shifting the clutch 95, the drive from the upper to the lower shaft will be through either train of cars 9498, or train 9396-97, the latter eing the reverse of the former. Thus the forward and reverse drive is obtained in somewhat the same manner as is found in the ordinary automotive transmission.

Extending parallel with the shaft 92 and along the edge of the platform 17 is a shaft 99 extending toward the forward end of the machine. The rear end of the shaft 99 is journalled in a bearing 100 and carries a gear wheel 101, adjacent said bearing, which meshes with a driving gear wheel 102 mounted on the shaft 92, At the forward end of the shaft 99 are driving mechanisms for. rotating the threaded sleeve 40 of the cutter bar drive and for elevating the latfo'rm 17. Near the forward end of the s aft 99 is a beveled gear 103 (Figures 2 and 8). Extendin transversely of the shaft 99 and to- ,ing at one end a beveled pinion 106, which meshes with the beveled gear wheel 103. Near its opposite end is keyed a worm'gear 107, which drives the worm wheel. 42 keyed to the threaded sleeve 40, (Figures 2 and 3);

Just beyond the beveled gear 103 on the shaft 99 is a doublethrow clutch 108'keyed to the shaftand adapted to be thrown into and out of clutching engagement with the driving gear 103, whic normally turns loosely on the shaft, so that the mechanism driven thereby is. idle except when an ad- I justment is required. This adjustment has already been mentioned in connection withthe function of the travelling nut 43, which serves to swing the cutter bar C from side i.

to side relative to the cutter head B. Thus,

bythrowing the clutch 108 into "engagement.

with" the car 103, the worm wheel 42 is rotated in elther direction, thereby causing the nut 43 to travel in the corresponding direction to shift the cutter bar. Furthermore, if it is desired to rotate the entire cuttin mechanism, including the cutter head B,

'from the position shown in Figure 12, for

instance, to the position shown in Fi re 13, it is possible to accomplish this mec an'ically'; first, b throwing the clutch 41 (Figure 3) forwar ly into engagement withtherear end of the sleeve 40, which connects it with the bearing sleeve 22; then disconnecting the brace 37 at its forward end by removing the pin 39 and dropping it down so as to free the nut 43: and finally, throwing in the clutch 108 (Figure 2) so that power is trans-- mltted to the worm wheel 42,to rotate the cutter bar support and cutter bar C bodil about the main drive shaft 23, carrying with it the traveling nut 43. When the roper position is reached the clutch'108 is t rown out, the traveling nut is again locked by replacing the brace 37, and the clutch '41 thrown out to disconnect the threaded sleeve 40 from the bearing sleeve 22, which again locks the latter against rotation in clutching engagement with the rear main bearing 24..

Thus it is seen that the drive from the gear wheel 103 to the worm wheel 42 can be used for two purposes. I

Immediately beyond the beveled gear 103 and clutch 108'is a ear casing 109 suppor at the forward end y the platform 17. The lower portion of this casing forms an end 'ournal bearing 109?- for the shaft 99, them ing loosely mounted on said shaft a worm 110 having an integral clutch member 110 adapted to be engaged by the clutch 108 when the same is thrown forwardly, as clearly shown in Figure 8. The worm 110 meshes with a worm wheel 111 keyed to a shaft 112 extending transverselyof the shaft 99 and journalled in the ear casing 109 above the shaft 99. The shaft 112 carries a pinion 113, which meshes wit-h a lar e spur ear 114 keyed on a shaft 115 just Eelow and extending parallel with the shaft 112. On the last mentioned shaft 115 is keyed a pinion 116, which meshes with a rack 117 fixed at its base to the platform 17 and extending vertically from the surface of the platform. From the foregoing it will be seen that throwing the clutch 108 forwardly connects the worm 110 with the shaft 99 so that power is transmitted through the gear train, consisting of the worm wheel 111, pinion 113, gear 114 and pinion 116, to the rack 117 thereby raising or lowering the platform 17, depending on the direction in which the shaft 99 is rotating, this being controlled by ,the reversing clutch 95 on the intermediate shaft 88(F gure 2). I

In alignment with the shaft 99, which, as shown in Figure 2, terminates at the gear wheel 101, is another shaft 118. This shaft is relativel short and is journalled in bearings 119. Fixed to the shaft 118 is a driven gear wheel 120 which meshes with a driving gear 121 on the shaft 92. Fixed to the rear end is a transverse shaft 123,-j0urnalled in a bearing 124, and supported upon the platform 17 b the usual bearing standard (Figure 2). keyed to this shaft intermediate its ends is a beveled driving gear 125. At the outer end of the shaft 123 and immediately'in'ward from its end bearing 124 is a worm 126. At its opposite or inner end is a spur gear 1271 Directl to the rear of the worm wheel 126 is a vertical shaft 128 (Figure 6) journalled at its upper and lower ends in bearings 129. Mounted on the shaft 128, just above the lower bearing 129, is a worm wheel 130 turning loosely on the shaft and meshing with the worm 126 on the shaft 123. Above the worm wheel 130 is a double throw clutch 131 and immediately above the clutch is a beveled gear 132 likewise turning loosely on the shaft. .Extending parallel with the horizontal shaft 123, but positioned rearwardly thereof and at right angles to the vertical shaft 128, is a secondary shaft 1.33 carrying at its forward end a fixed beveled gear 134 meshing with the loose beveled gear 132 at the upper end of the vertical shaft. Immediately adjacent the beveled gear 134 is a single throw clutch 135. Beyond the clutch 135 is a worm 136, loosely mounted on the shaft 133. A spur gear 137, fixed at the inner end of the shaft meshes with the spur gear 127 on the parallel shaft 123. As clearly shown in Figure 2, the

worm 136 has an integral sleeve 138, which turns in a shaft bearing 139 at the inner end of the shaft.

The worm 136 meshes with and drives a worm wheel 140, which is mounted at the upper end of a vertical shaft 141, journalled in a bearing sleeve 142, which extends below the turn table 5 and rearwardly beyond the rear edge of the lower platform 1. As clearly shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6, the rear edge of the lower platform 1 is curved in an arc concentric with vertical turning axis of the turn table and has gear teeth out in the edge thereof to form arack 143. At the lower end.of the shaft 141 and in the plane of the rack 143 is a pinion 144 which meshes with an intermediate idler pinion 145, which in turn meshes with a smaller pinion 146, the latter meshing with the rack 143. These last mentioned pinions 144, 145 and 146 form a gear train extending substantially in line with the rack and rotating on upright stud shafts 144*, 145'-"and 146 supported in a bearing plate 147 formed integral with the turn table 5 through the medium of depending arms 147", whereby saidbearin plate is brou ht below the level of the rach 143, as clear ly shown and 137 to the shaft 133. Through the meand connected. therewith.

dium of a single throw clutch 135 on the shaft 133 the worm 136 is connected or dis connected with the shaft, and normally turns loosely thereon, except when the turn table is to be shifted. Thus, by throwing the clutch 135 into engagement with the worm 136, the power is transmitted to the large worm wheel 140 and thence through the gear train 144, 145 and 146 to the rack 143.

Referring now to the drive for propelling the machine along the track, reference is again made to the vertical shaft 128 at the rear right-hand corner of the turn table 5. As clearly shown in Figure 4, thisshaft carries at its lower end a spur gear wheel 148, which in turn meshes with another spur gear 149 adjacent thereto, and forming one of a series of three ear wheels constituting a train extending from the shaft 128 inwardly to the center of the machine and consisting of the said gear 149, an intern'iediate gear Wheel 150 and a'final gear wheel 151, which meshes with the large gear wheel 16 (Figures 4 and 9), keyed to the stub-shaft 9,which has direct driving connection with the front and rear axles 3-3, as heretofore described. The gear wheel 16, the gear wheel 148'and the intermediate gear train 149, 150 and 151 he in the plane of the turn table, the same being cut away as shown; in Figure 4, to provide a space for these gear wheels and their stub shafts.

Inasmuch as it is desirable to propel the machine at different speeds, a high and a low speed drive is provided. For instance, when the machine is being transported from one place in the mine to another, the machine can be moved'at a considerably higher speed than when it is cutting. For propelling the machine at the high speed, use is made of a portion of the same drive which swings the turn table. Referring back to the turn table drive it will be recalled that the shaft 133 is driven through the spurgears 137 and 127 from the shaft 123, which in turn is directly driven through the meshing beveled gears 125 and 122. Moreover, it has been pointed out that the shaft 123 has direct driving connection with the shaft 128, through the beveled gear wheels 132 and 134. Assuming therefore that it is desired to propel the machine at the higher speed, the double throw clutch 131 is shifted upwardly from the neutral position shown in Figure 6, which connects the beveled gear wheel 132 with the shaft 128, and thus connecting the latter with axles through the train of gearing already described.

However if it is desired to propel the machine at low speed, the clutch 131 is disengaged from the gear wheel 132 and is shifted in a downwardly direction into engagement with the worm wheel 130, so that the drive is now entirely from the worm 126 on the shaft 123 through said worm Wheel 130 to the shaft- 128, and thence to the driving axles through the same train of gearing. Thus, by using .a more direct drive to the shaft 128 and at the same time employing the worm gearing, it is possible to get the required speed reduction, and at the same time obtain the increased power which. is necessary for moving the machine when it is cutting.

This completes the detailed description of the machine and its operating parts, and the remaining descriptive matter will be devoted to a discussion of the operation of the machine, with the aid of Figures 11 to 20 of the drawings.

Figure 11 shows the machine in position for making a lateral cut at the level of the mine floor, where it is desired to undercut the vein immediately in front of the machine. Figures 17 and 18 show the manner in which this undercutting operation is carried out. In Figure 17 the turn table is swung to the right with the cutter bar swung at an angle to the central axis of the machine and substantially parallel with theright side wall.

In this position the. machine is propelled bodily forward, utilizing the slow speed drive, which carries the cutter bar into the vein to substantially its full length, as shown in Figure 18. When this position is reached an accompanying swinging movementof the cutter bar from left to right as the cutting progresses across the vein, until the opposite wall is reached in which the cutter bar then extends substantially parallel with the lefthand wall at the completion of the cut, whereupon the machine is withdrawn and the vein is broken down by blasting.

' Figure 12 shows the position of the cutter bar in making a lateral out at a level above the floor, this being accomplished by elevating the platform to an inclined position and at the same time tilting the cutter bar downwardly into a horizontal position, so as to compensate for the angular position of the cutter driving mechanism.

Figure 13 shows the position of the ma chine in n'iakin a cut close to the ceiling of the mine. in tl iis position the cutter head being revolved through an angle of 180 so that the cutter chain is uppermost.

Figure 14 shows the positlon of the inachine in making a cut substantially midway between the floor and ceiling, the height being such that the platform may be lowered as in Figure 11, but the cutting head and cutter bar areturned upwardly or through 180 from the position shown in Figure 11.

Figures 15 and 16 show the manner in which the machine may be operated in making a shearing cut, that is, a vertical cut from top to bottom in the vein immediately aheadof the machine. Figure 15 shows the machine about to'make the initial cut, the cutter head and bar'being revolved through so that the bar is brought into a vertical plane and inclined upwardly at an angle of about 45. In this position the machine is propelled forward on. the track and when the desired depth is reached the machine is brought to rest and the cutter bar swung in a downward direction to the floor level. Figure 16 shows the same Vertical cutting operation carried out where the ceiling .is considerably higher than that shownin Figure 15. In this case the added vertical reach is obtained by elevating the platform 17, thereby increasing the vertical range ofthe cutter bar.

Figures 17 and 18 have already'been referred to as showing the method of making a lateral cut in the vein immediately ahead of the machine and illustrating the machine in top plan view in making cuts at any of the levels represented by Figures 11 to 14.

Figure 19' shows the machine making a out in the side wall and parallel to the tracks positioned at 45 to the'turn table, so'that it stands at right angles to the tracks. Thus, by moving the machine bodily along the track, the cutting pro esses in the direction of the movement 0 the machine.

Figure 20, represents the cutting opera; tion in which the cutter bar is swung from right to left in an are without moving the machine until the cutter bar has swung through an arc of substantially 90" whereupon the cut is continued in a straight l ne by swinging the turn table from right to left until the out has been completed, either by bringing the cutter bar out of the cut with a swin ing cut-or by withdrawing the cutter bar before the out has been completed and, then moving the machine-bodily to the left and continuing the cut in a lateral direction from right tole'ft.

. From the foregoing explanation it will be seen that the machine exceedinglyflexible and is capable of meeting substantially all the conditions which may be met in mining operations. 'In short, it is capable of performing cutting operations which heretofore have required as many different types of machines as there are diflerent'forms of cuts to be made. Structurally the machine is exccedingly'light and compact considering the rather intricatemechanism required for adjusting the parts into the several'cutting positions obtainable and for directing the cutter bar along a prescribed line of cutting. Having heretoforedescribed the structure of themachine, its advanta es, and conditions under which it may e operated, I

claim as my invention:

connection with said cutting mec 1.'.In a mining machine, the combination of a turntable, a platform mounted on said turntable andadaptedto be tilted-Fat an angle thereto, cutting mechanism mounted on said platform, a motor in driving con nection with said cutting mechanism, and platform tilting mechanism in driving connection with said motor 2. In a mining machine, the combination of a turntable having a platform capable of .being elevated relative to the plane of said turntable, cutting, mechanism mounted on said platform, elevating mechanism associated with said platform, and driving mechanism including a motor, having operative ianism, elevating mechanism and turntable. 3. In a mining machine, the combination of a wheeled carriage, a turntable mounted on said carriage, a platform mounted on said turntable and capable of vertical adjustment relative thereto, cutting mechanism mounted on said platform, a motor mounted on said platform, and driving mechanism operated by said motorand having operatlvc connection with said cutting mechanism, turntable and carriage, and means associated with said driving mechanism for actuating said cutting mechanism, turntable or carriage simultaneously or selectively.

4. In a mining machine, the combination associate of a wheeled carriage provided with ro- I ting mechanism, elevating mechanism and carriage ropelling mechanism, and means (i with said driving mechanism for actuating one or more of said mechanisms simultaneously or selectively.

' '5. In a mining machine, the combination of a turntable, cutting mechanism mounted on saidturntable and comprising a support extending beyond one end of said turn-table, and a cutter bar mounted at the end of said support for lateral swiugingmovement and means for tilting said support with'respect to said turn-table.

6. In a mining machine the combination of a wheeled carriage, cutting mechanism mounted on said carriage and comprising a support extending outwardly beyond one end of said carriage, a cutter bar-carried at the end of said' support and adapted for bodily swinging movement relative'thereto, means for tilting said so port at different angles to the carriage, an means for angularly adjusting said cutter bar relative to said support.

7. In a mining machine the combination xof a carriage, a platform hinged at one end of a carriage, cutting mechanism mounted.

on said carriage, and comprising a cylindric support extending beyond said carriage, and mounted for axial rotation, a cutter bar mounted at the end of said-support, a cutter chain on said cutter bar, a motor in driving connection with said cutter chain, and means operated by said motor for swinging said cutter bar in the plane of said cutter chain, and for rotating said su port.

9. In a mining machine the combination ofa wheeled carriage, comprising a turntable, a platform on said turn-table, and connected thereto-by trunnions adjacent the rear end thereof, means for elevating the for-v ward ends of said platform, 'cut-ting mechanism mounted on said platform and comtable, a platform mounted on said turn table, means for tilting said platform, a tubular support mounted in bearings fixed to said platform and extending'beyond and terminating belowlthe forward end of said turn-table, means for rotating said support in its bearings, a cutting element mounted at the end of said support, a motor, a drive shaft journalled in said tubular support and operatively connecting said motor with said cutting element, and driving mechanism driven by said motor, and operatirely connected with said platform elevating means and said means for rotating said support.

11. In a mining machine the combination of a platform carriage, a tubular support extending lengthwise of said carriage beyond and below the forward edge thereof, bearings supporting said tubular support. means for normally locking said tubular support against rotation in said bearings, a cutting member mounted at the end of said tubular support for swinging movement in the place of cutting, a drive shaft journalled in said tubular support, and operatively connected with said cutting mem er, a member movable lengthwise of said tubular support and connected with said cutting member. a motor in driving connection with said drive shaft and mechanism driven by said motor and operatively connected with said lengthwise movable member and clutch mechanism operative to permit said tubular support to turn in its bearings.

12. In a mining machine the combination of a wheeled carriage, a turn-table on said carriage, a tubular support extendinglengthwise of and projecting beyond the end of said turn-table, a cutting member pivotally mounted at the end of said support for lateral swinging movement, a drive shaft journalled in said support and operatively connected with said'cutting element, a motor on said turn-table indriving connection with said drive shaft, a sleeve rotative on said support, a traveling nut having threaded engagement with said sleeve and normally held against bodily rotation, a link connecting said nut with said cutting member, medium for turning said turn-table, and said sleeve, both being connected with said motor,

'throu h the medium of clutch mechanism.

7 13. n a mining machine, the combination of a latform, cutting mechanism mounted on. sand platform and comprisin a cylindric supporting member journalle for axial movement, a cutting element mounted at'the outer endof said cylindric support, driving mechanism mounted on said platform and comprising a drive shaft operatively connected with said cutting element and journalled in said cylindric support, releasable locking means for normally holding said cylindric support against axial movement, and clutch controlled driving mechanism adapted to rotate said support in its bearings when said locking means is re leased. y

14. Ina mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism comprising a cylindric supporting member, mounted on said machine for axial adjustment, a cutting element mounted at the end of said support, amotor operatively'connected with said cutting element, and means operated by said motor for rotating said su portingmember to shift the cutting plane 0 said cutting element.

Signed at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, this 19th day of May, A. D. 1925.

CHARLESHE. DAVIS. 

